I

I explores the gap between the social and scientific significance of the eye as a ‘window to the soul’ and questions the role of data and knowledge accumulation in a tech-orientated world.

Adopting innovative biomedical technologies used in security operations and the diagnosis of disease, the iris patterns of audience volunteers are scanned and translated into data, triggering clips of image and sound into sequences that are responsive to each pattern reading. The resulting audio-visual narratives are as unique as each participant, formulating an interactive journey into the body through the eye, projected at spectacular scale.

Forma is one of Europe’s leading creative producers, working with British and international artists to develop and deliver new cross art form productions across the world. Characterised by excellence in concept and context, production values and the audience experience, Forma exists to imagine, enable and deliver remarkable art by exceptional artists.

I

Gina Czarnecki2014

I explores the gap between the social and scientific significance of the eye as a ‘window to the soul’ and questions the role of data and knowledge accumulation in a tech-orientated world.

Adopting innovative biomedical technologies used in security operations and the diagnosis of disease, the iris patterns of audience volunteers are scanned and translated into data, triggering clips of image and sound into sequences that are responsive to each pattern reading. The resulting audio-visual narratives are as unique as each participant, formulating an interactive journey into the body through the eye, projected at spectacular scale.

Credits—

I was created by Gina Czarnecki, Professor John Girkin of the University of Durham, and an interdisciplinary team of scientific collaborators in 2014. Produced by Forma, commissioned by Artichoke for Lumiere Durham. Supported by The Wellcome Trust.

I Too is a video installation derived from footage gathered from imaging and visualisation technologies, and the audience’s iris scans created for and by the original work, I.

Gina Czarnecki realises her art in a diverse and often unconventional range of media, including installations, sculpture, video, and site specific works. Since the mid-1990’s her work has found fascination with convergent developments in life sciences and technologies, their possible applications and how this shapes and informs identity. Recent projects include Nascent and Infected with exhibitions at CYNETART, Dresden (2016), Bruges Cultural Centre (2016), and Open Media Art Festival, Singapore (2015).